Are you interested in start-ups, already working on your own idea, or simply curious to find out what starting a business is really like?
You are also very welcome if you do not have your own business idea yet. The events are open to students, alumni and anyone curious about entrepreneurship. No previous experience is required.
You can look forward to four events around entrepreneurship, pitching, founder stories and student business ideas. You will learn what really matters when getting started, how to present a business idea convincingly, and how others have made the journey from a first idea to starting their own business.
Participation in all events is free of charge. Event language is English.
Tuesday, 17 November
17 November 2026 | 1.00–2.30 pm | Kleve Campus | English
Which topics really matter when you are at the beginning of your start-up journey? Lena Klingelberger from Deutsche Telekom will share seven practical lessons for aspiring founders. The session will cover topics including customer validation, first customers, networking, personal branding, as well as basic aspects of information security and data protection.
17 November 2026 | 4.00–5.30 pm | Kleve Campus | English
How can a green or social business idea be presented clearly and convincingly? Adriana Plechinger from StartGlocal will use practical examples to show how to structure a pitch clearly, communicate an idea effectively and avoid common presentation mistakes.
The event takes place as part of the interdisciplinary project “Green and Social Entrepreneurship: Business Ideas for a Better World.”
Wednesday, 18 November
18 November 2026 | 3.00–4.30 pm | Kleve Campus | English
How can something you are personally passionate about become your own business? HSRW alumna Berrak Dalbudak, founder of OBD Art Studio & Community Space, will share her journey from university to starting her own business. She will give personal insights into her motivation, first steps, challenges and experiences while building her creative business.
Afterwards, there will be time for questions, informal exchange and networking over snacks and drinks.
Thursday, 19 November
19 November 2026 | 09:30–12:00 | Kamp-Lintfort Campus | English and German
Students from the International Business Administration programme will present business ideas they developed as part of the Business Planning course. After short pitches in front of a jury, visitors can explore the ideas in more detail during a poster session and speak directly with the teams. The event is organised by Dr. Jessica Palka and Andrea da Silva.
